Modern Day Packaging

Aluminium


Advantages: Cheap in mass production, high mechanical strength, can be heat treated, suitable for sterile products, excellent barrier properties e.g gases and liquids.


Disadvantages: Isn’t easily recyclable, cans need to be protected from moisture or humidity unless lacquered or coated, easily dented.


Glass



Advantages: Reusable, versatility in shape and colour, no odour, distinctive, convenient, practical, suitable in microwaving.



Disadvantages: Weakness which is what limits glass as packaging, expensive packaging material.


Cardboard Boxes



Advantages: Very cheap to produce, very light, easily sealable, cardboard can be very rigid to protect contents and very easily manipulated to better protect goods.



Disadvantages: Very weak when wet, can easily carry infestations.


This is a video on the advantages and disadvantages of plastic packaging :)




References

http://www.ucc.ie/fcis/PKglass.htm


http://www.ucc.ie/fcis/PKtinplateandaluminiumcans.htm